Monday, January 30, 2017

A friend has a new camera with a wide lens, about which he is very excited. We met for coffee and chocolate to examine the camera, and he pointed out its features.

Wide angle Koko Black

We went round to Mr & Mrs Lovely Bonkers and sat on the patio of their new house admiring the sunset, which grew ever-more impressive over the course of the evening.

Sunset reflection

They have bought some solar-powered outdoor lights so we played with them and drew pictures with light (yes, that's photography).

Several of us have been studying the BJCP guide to learn more about the different styles of ales. A couple of people were keen to take the exam at the end of the month, so we had to cram in a couple of sessions in a week. That's a lot of beer, especially as the last two categories are Belgian strongs and specialty beers!

Monday, January 23, 2017

We had a fabulous weekend in Melbourne catching up with friends, but first I got in a quick bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin.

So here we are in Melbourne, and the graffiti on our street is full of good advice.

We were meeting The Mischievous Minx and the Great Galah who were there for her significant birthday present which was tickets to the Australian Open. Naturally, we met in a pub: Young & Jackson's to be precise.

Recreating an old photo (it was with milk when she was a kid)

Hard to believe from the GG's face, but this was early in the evening

We took them to the BBL at the MCG to see the Melbourne Stars take on the Sydney Sixers. It was a beautiful evening and an enjoyable game. They soon got into the swing of it,with boundary drinks and smiles all round.

BBL at the MCG

The next morning we walked and tram-ed around the city, taking in the sights.

The Great Galah wanted us to take a photo of this street name - I can't imagine why...

Great Galah was also rather taken with this window display

There was a giant screen set up in Federation Square on which the tennis games were being shown. We sat in deck chairs and watched them for a bit. With doughnuts.

Flinders Street Station and Federation Square

Such a beautiful couple.

While they went back to the tennis, we headed to Moon Dog Brewery, where we escaped the heat (and it was very hot) and watched Andy Murray lose his final. It was tough, but we had beer to dull the pain.

Moon Dog in a shaft of light

A final breakfast next morning by the Yarra before we had to drive home. It was a lovely weekend, and I will really miss these guys. Good friends are the best thing ever.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Monday, January 2, 2017

We rounded off the year with a few mountain bike rides and some drinks with friends.

Breakfast with the Reid Sisters

Chester 'helping' with the laundry

25 years ago to the day we met

New Year's Eve bike ride

Apparently the Burnley Miner's Club is the world's biggest consumer of Benedictine, and Burnley FC is the only club in England to serve the drink on match days. We toasted Him Outdoor's hometown with a round of Christmas Martinez (4 parts Four Pillars Christmas Gin; 2 parts Rouge vermouth; 1 part DOM Benedictine; and a dash of Angostura Bitters). Cheers. And Cheese. Lots of cheese.

About Me

I love writing, singing, acting and directing. I drink wine and beer and do a bit of sport on the side - mainly triathlon although I love football too. I travel whenever I can and collect new experiences. My favourite colour is green or purple depending on my mood, and yes, I think the two go well together. I try to lead a balanced life but I keep falling off.